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Take a journey into the unknown

A mystery European trip isn’t everyone’s idea of fun, so Scottish travel editor Katie Wood was relieved to land in the vibrant city of Amsterdam

Katie Wood

March 26 2017, 12:01am, The Sunday Times

Tall distinctive waterside buildings evoke the city’s 17th-century golden age; modern-day tourists can see the sights from the comfort of a canal boatALAMY

I have never been the recipient of a surprise trip from my husband of 33 years.

That’s not a complaint. It wouldn’t be easy for the old chap anyway, given that travelling is my job and the diary is booked well ahead. And, truth be told, I can’t think of anything worse than not knowing whether to pack for Marrakech or Malmo — or having no say as to where I go.

However, according to the new Expedia-owned venture Surprise Trips, apparently I’m in the minority. Its latest offering goes like this: pick the date and length of your trip (two to four nights), give an idea of budget, and then turn up at the airport with hand luggage.

You get two hours’ notice, so…

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